Husker Spot - Nebraska Football Network2017-08-18T03:19:13ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Granthttp://api.ning.com/files/*qui3CqA-KI7mIn5ZfsoAUszd*DD4J7fdRuI2FLD0HE_/Me?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.huskerspot.com/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=2j4x5a9wafq3e&sort=mostRecent&feed=yes&xn_auth=no2017: The Year of the Tight End Renaissance?tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-17:1010322:Topic:1644482017-08-17T21:54:57.474ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><a href="http://undefined" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="undefined"></img></a> <a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7kQpPQ*Plb8t0g0eByYBV9wXF2PjMmCAlTEca48w7kBurH-jwKI3ypzjXXGBbgTC6gJ-aPwdaEe3XX0SB0V6-qfMm9MZ6reb/TE.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7kQpPQ*Plb8t0g0eByYBV9wXF2PjMmCAlTEca48w7kBurH-jwKI3ypzjXXGBbgTC6gJ-aPwdaEe3XX0SB0V6-qfMm9MZ6reb/TE.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
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<p>Is it too soon to say that the tight end position is seeing a rebirth in Lincoln?<br></br><br></br>That might be too strong considering there haven’t been any games played yet this season, but there is certainly an emphasis on getting the position more…</p>
<p><a href="http://undefined" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="undefined"/></a><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7kQpPQ*Plb8t0g0eByYBV9wXF2PjMmCAlTEca48w7kBurH-jwKI3ypzjXXGBbgTC6gJ-aPwdaEe3XX0SB0V6-qfMm9MZ6reb/TE.jpg" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7kQpPQ*Plb8t0g0eByYBV9wXF2PjMmCAlTEca48w7kBurH-jwKI3ypzjXXGBbgTC6gJ-aPwdaEe3XX0SB0V6-qfMm9MZ6reb/TE.jpg?width=750"/></a></p>
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<p>Is it too soon to say that the tight end position is seeing a rebirth in Lincoln?<br/><br/>That might be too strong considering there haven’t been any games played yet this season, but there is certainly an emphasis on getting the position more involved in the offense for the 2017 season.<br/><br/>Looking back at Mike Riley’s final four years at Oregon State, the tight ends in Corvallis averaged 55 catches for 569 yards and five touchdowns per season. Last season Nebraska’s tight ends had 28 catches for 283 yards and two touchdowns. <br/><br/>Based on spring practices, the spring game and fall camp we can expect the tight end numbers to look at least a little more like the Oregon State production. One big reason for that is Tanner Lee.<br/><br/>“I think we’re really good [as receivers] especially with Tanner Lee at quarterback, we’re going to make plays,” senior tight end Connor Ketter said. “He’s going to get the ball to us and it’s going to be a fun year.”<br/><br/>The man who will likely be the starter at the tight end position is senior Tyler Hoppes. He’s burst onto the scene this year but how did he get there? Let tight ends coach Tavita Thompson tell you. <br/><br/>“Last year we knew what he could do athletically. He’s fluid in his route running,” Thompson said. “But last year we told him you need to get more physical. You need to stick your face in the fan and hold the edge. <br/><br/>“He really took it upon to himself to show that he could do that and he’s proven himself. That’s what’s really nice to see. He’s by far the most physical he’s ever been.”<br/><br/>Offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf echoed those sentiments, calling Hoppes a “big weapon” who is dangerous in the red zone, a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties with his athleticism and route-running ability and an improved blocker.<br/> <br/>“He really has become an all-around player and it’s been great to see,” Langsdorf said. “He’s probably playing as well as anybody on the offense. That kind of player at that position can be tough on defenses, especially in the red zone. We’re looking forward to seeing him make those plays.”<br/><br/>While Hoppes needed to be more physical to make his way onto the field, its his pass-catching ability that sets him apart for the pack. Thompson raved about Hoppes’ ability to run routes and pick things up quickly.<br/><br/>“His route running is very good,” he said. “He’s one of those guys you can tell him, ‘why don’t you try this,’ [or] ‘do you see that?’ He knows what you are talking about and he gets it. He knows what he’s doing.”<br/><br/>Riley said on Saturday that the tight end position could end up being a position of strength even though he was worried about it coming into spring ball. If he’s correct, Hoppes’ emergence will help get that position where it needs to be in this pro-style offense.</p>
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<p><a class="ajax" id="name" href="https://hailvarsity.com/t/16869/greg-smith" name="name">By Greg Smith</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1898/2017-the-year-of-the-tight-end-renaissance" target="_blank">2017: The Year of the Tight End Renaissance?</a></p> 17 Aug 2017, Cornhusker News of the Day.tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-17:1010322:Topic:1645432017-08-17T11:33:37.219ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
<p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg"></img></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Akinmoladun Ready to <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661594" target="_blank">Rush and destroy the…</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
<p><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg"/></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Akinmoladun Ready to <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661594" target="_blank">Rush and destroy the QB</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Bob Diaco coaching from <a href="http://www.omaha.com/huskers/blogs/bob-diaco-coaching-from-press-box-a-change-from-past/article_3188eed2-82a0-11e7-bfd5-bbd3c303a12c.html" target="_blank">press box</a> is a change from past Nebraska defensive coordinators</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Donté thinks big, regards Nebraska as potential '<a href="http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/sipple/steven-m-sipple-dont-thinks-big-regards-nebraska-as-potential/article_0cec03b6-0c00-5095-a0f1-15c76ae01336.html" target="_blank">recruiting</a> monster'</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska pursuing several 500-mile radius <a href="http://www.omaha.com/huskers/football/recruiting/recruiting-nebraska-pursuing-several--mile-radius-defensive-targets-for/article_4e8766c4-829d-11e7-9ad4-a3da4538862e.html" target="_blank">defensive targets</a> for its 2018 class</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> Pinned Deep, When you’re punting, you don’t want a lot of <a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1889/pinned-deep" target="_blank">moving parts</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Big Ten Sets <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661659" target="_blank">women's</a> Basketball Conference Dates</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Why This Big Ten <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661744" target="_blank">men's</a> Hoops Schedule Is So Quirky, <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661702" target="_blank">schedule</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">What 10 Wins Would Mean for the <a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1888/what-10-wins-would-mean-for-the-huskers-in-recruiting" target="_blank">Huskers</a> in Recruiting</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">What does Husker <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Article/What-does-Nebraska-have-working-behind-its-top-three-cornerbacks-106236539" target="_blank">cornerback</a> depth look like?</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Move to <a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1884/move-to-cornerback-serves-butler-huskers-well" target="_blank">Cornerback</a> Serves Butler, Huskers Well</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Huskers Feel Safe with Multiple <a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1885/huskers-feel-safe-with-multiple-options-at-safety" target="_blank">Options</a> at Safety</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">5-star DE Micah Parsons will take an <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/micah-parsons-visits-recruiting" target="_blank">official</a> visit to Nebraska</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> Big Ten TV breakdown: There’s FOX, a new <a href="https://www.landof10.com/big-ten/big-ten-tv-breakdown-theres-fox-new-primetime-system-friday-changes-black-friday" target="_blank">prime-time</a> system, Friday changes and what about Black Friday? </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Quick Hits: News and Notes from <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Quick-Hits-News-and-Notes-from-Thursdays-practice-106246264" target="_blank">Thursday's</a> practice</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Cavanaugh names <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Cavanaugh-names-interior-line-spot-106247248" target="_blank">interior</a> line spot</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman ready for <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/nebraska-football-jd-spielman-spotlight" target="_blank">spotlight</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Conrad <a href="http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/life-in-the-red/rapid-reaction-conrad-locks-down-center-spot-o-line-struggles/article_b7042a6a-8370-11e7-a866-27fed9df024d.html" target="_blank">locks down</a> center spot; o-line struggles; Lindsey dazzles </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Offense <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661869" target="_blank">Continues</a> to Progress </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Thursday notebook: Jaimes making a <a href="https://nebraska.rivals.com/news/thursday-notebook-jaimes-making-a-push-at-lt" target="_blank">push at</a> LT </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> Danny Langsdorf sees Nebraska football at <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/danny-langsdorf-sees-nebraska-football-at-its-best-when-were-balanced" target="_blank">its best</a> ‘when we’re balanced’</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Camp Chatter: Sights and sounds, <a href="http://www.omaha.com/huskers/blogs/camp-chatter-sights-and-sounds-aug/article_b4583c08-8379-11e7-9ff2-3bc5cd00cf5b.html" target="_blank">Aug 17</a></span></p>
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<a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Article/Four-Star-WR-Tommy-Bush-Sets-Up-Nebraska-Official-Visit-106252099">http://nebraska.247sports.com/Article/Four-Star-WR-Tommy-Bush-Sets-Up-Nebraska-Official-Visit-106252099</a><br />
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<div class="meta"></div> Tom's Time: An Option Runner Before an Option Callertag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-16:1010322:Topic:1644002017-08-16T23:25:58.309ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> Tom Osborne’s move from a more pass-oriented offense to the option in the late 1970s was based on the belief that in order to succeed in the Big Eight a team had to play as Oklahoma did. The Sooners ran a Wishbone offense, and though Nebraska didn’t go to that extreme, Osborne began recruiting quarterbacks who…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aYOWrf7ZKLGtADO2F1UnHDLa1RTTeogLsyPxGHXa-8rsZqeMFPkFLC5Y0N47ddIUgcvALQq-vonW4FKSEEIlAVMyj9fddLV*/TomOsborne.jpg?width=750"/></a>Tom Osborne’s move from a more pass-oriented offense to the option in the late 1970s was based on the belief that in order to succeed in the Big Eight a team had to play as Oklahoma did. The Sooners ran a Wishbone offense, and though Nebraska didn’t go to that extreme, Osborne began recruiting quarterbacks who could win by running as well as passing. Jeff Quinn, out of Ord (Neb.) High School in 1976, was the first such Husker quarterback. Osborne has said as much.<br/><br/>His interest in running quarterbacks goes back much further, however, if it's as a teammate at Hastings (Neb.) College claimed. Osborne played quarterback for the Broncos, who ran an option offense according to the teammate, and 90 percent of the time, he kept the ball.</p>
<p>He thought running plays were for him,” the teammate said with a laugh.<br/>Nebraska showed some interest in Osborne following his graduation from Hastings (Neb.) High in 1955. He was the state Prep Athlete of the Year, earning first-team all-state recognition in both football and basketball as a senior. He played quarterback, as a back-up his sophomore year, before directing the Tigers to an 8-1-0 record and starting for a Class A state championship team as a junior.<br/><br/>He was the only non-senior starter on the Tigers’ Class A state championship team, which featured a pair of first-team All-Class A players who stood 6-foot-5. Osborne was a slender, or skinny, 6-3 guard. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points per game for a team that finished 13-4.<br/><br/>The premier Nebraska high school player in 1955 was Omaha Tech’s Bob Boozer.<br/><br/>Osborne also competed in track and field and played American Legion baseball.<br/><br/>Nebraska football coach Bill Glassford, who was preparing for what would be his final season in Lincoln, and basketball coach Jerry Bush, preparing for his first, both contacted Osborne to gauge his interest and offered scholarships. But neither was aggressive in recruiting him. Wyoming, pre-Bob Devaney, offered a football scholarship, and Denver University wanted him for basketball. <br/><br/>But Osborne decided to stay home and play football and basketball at Hastings College, opting to pay his own way instead of accepting the scholarship that was offered. His father and paternal grandfather had both gone there, and son Mike would go there as well – and start at quarterback for three seasons. Osborne was as successful in both sports as he had been in high school, enough so to earn recognition as the State College Athlete of the Year twice.<br/><br/>His future, professionally, was in football and was a result in large part to his play in the Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Nov. 30, 1957. Hastings College, which had defeated Missouri Valley in the bowl when Osborne was a sophomore, lost to William Jewell that Saturday afternoon. Even so, Osborne would attract the attention of the San Francisco 49ers. <br/><br/>The Broncos took a 7-0 lead with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter of the Mineral Bowl after an intercepted pass at the William Jewell 30-yard line. They would score on the next play, Osborne’s 30-yard touchdown pass.</p>
<div id="author"><a class="ajax" id="mug" href="https://hailvarsity.com/premium/tagfeed/544" name="mug"></a><a class="ajax" id="name" href="https://hailvarsity.com/t/544/mike-babcock" name="name">By Mike Babcock</a></div>
<p><a href="https://hailvarsity.com/s/1877/toms-time-an-option-runner-before-an-option-caller" target="_blank">Welcome to Tom's Time, a regular feature that will take a closer look at the life of Tom Osborne</a></p>
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<p></p> Which Team Holds the Longest Consecutive Sellout Streak in Every Major Sport?tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-16:1010322:Topic:1645332017-08-16T14:53:36.594ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u1AT1mcsyk2FKCPsz0El6Ov3OApZuboS03uQ0tvRfQNvZk8zNCVJ8JwSrwDpPSlbiTLaNSHi44EL9ZmUG5r1d0yf4pHjQ0H1/nebraskaselloutstreak1502817245.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u1AT1mcsyk2FKCPsz0El6Ov3OApZuboS03uQ0tvRfQNvZk8zNCVJ8JwSrwDpPSlbiTLaNSHi44EL9ZmUG5r1d0yf4pHjQ0H1/nebraskaselloutstreak1502817245.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>The Cornhuskers possess the longest home sellout streak in college football, and it's not even close.</p>
<p>Nebraska has sold out every single home game since a 16-7 defeat against <a href="http://herosports.com/colleges/teams/missouri-mens-football" target="_blank">Missouri</a> on…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u1AT1mcsyk2FKCPsz0El6Ov3OApZuboS03uQ0tvRfQNvZk8zNCVJ8JwSrwDpPSlbiTLaNSHi44EL9ZmUG5r1d0yf4pHjQ0H1/nebraskaselloutstreak1502817245.jpg" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u1AT1mcsyk2FKCPsz0El6Ov3OApZuboS03uQ0tvRfQNvZk8zNCVJ8JwSrwDpPSlbiTLaNSHi44EL9ZmUG5r1d0yf4pHjQ0H1/nebraskaselloutstreak1502817245.jpg?width=750"/></a></p>
<p>The Cornhuskers possess the longest home sellout streak in college football, and it's not even close.</p>
<p>Nebraska has sold out every single home game since a 16-7 defeat against <a href="http://herosports.com/colleges/teams/missouri-mens-football" target="_blank">Missouri</a> on November 3, 1962. The streak currently sits at 354 games, and what is just as amazing is the Huskers' 303-51 record during this timespan.</p>
<p>The next closest school is <a href="http://herosports.com/colleges/teams/notre-dame-mens-football" target="_blank">Notre Dame</a>, and even if Nebraska's sellout streak ended on September 2 against <a href="http://herosports.com/colleges/teams/arkansas-state-mens-football" target="_blank">Arkansas State</a> (which of course it won't), the Irish wouldn't surpass the Big Ten squad's streak until 2029. </p>
<p></p> 16 Aug 2017, Cornhusker News of the Day.tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-16:1010322:Topic:1644252017-08-16T10:49:57.944ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska CB Chris Jones has <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/nebraska-chris-jones-nfl-draft-decision" target="_blank">decision</a> to make, but NFL draft…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
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<p><img width="620" height="320" src="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/739/510/6_7510739.jpg"/></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska CB Chris Jones has <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/nebraska-chris-jones-nfl-draft-decision" target="_blank">decision</a> to make, but NFL draft scout sees no need to rush</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> NU punter Caleb Lightbourn years ahead of <a href="http://www.omaha.com/huskers/football/nu-punter-caleb-lightbourn-years-ahead-of-last-season-responding/article_588fae40-c6c6-509a-8c8a-0edd4804cd41.html" target="_blank">last season</a>, responding to approach of new Husker coaches</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Fast in the 40, Bootle just as fast to <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Fast-in-the-40-Bootle-just-as-fast-to-key-role-for-Huskers-106182382" target="_blank">key role</a> for Huskers</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Haliburton schedules four <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Haliburton-schedules-four-official-visits-through-October-106188875" target="_blank">official</a> visits through October</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Husker players, coaches <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/ContentGallery/Nebraska-football-players-and-coaches-appear-on-Big-Ten-Network-106185222" target="_blank">appear on</a> BTN</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Lambert <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211654314&amp;utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank">Hired</a> as Volunteer Assistant</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska’s Bob Diaco says <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/nebraska-defense-scheme-bob-diaco?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank">defense</a> will be ‘in and out of both’ 4-3 and 3-4 alignments </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Husker Notes: Akinmoladun Ready to <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661594&amp;_ga=2.218770777.1301980824.1502666529-1595605641.1486655690" target="_blank">Rush</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Frosh Watch: Avery Roberts made <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Frosh-Watch-Avery-Roberts-made-his-case-to-play-right-away-106204069" target="_blank">his case</a> to play right away </span></p>
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<p></p> 15 Aug 2017, Cornhusker News of the Day.tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-15:1010322:Topic:1641102017-08-15T10:46:32.492ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-5" style="color: #ff0000;">BIG TEN NETWORK IS IN THE HOUSE CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Dienhart: What I'll be…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The latest news about all things Husker, stop back throughout the day to get updates as they become available. Go Big Red!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5" style="color: #ff0000;">BIG TEN NETWORK IS IN THE HOUSE CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><img width="620" height="320" src="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/739/510/6_7510739.jpg"/></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>W</b><strong>hat you'll find in today's news:</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Dienhart: What I'll be <a href="http://btn.com/2017/08/14/dienhart-what-ill-be-watching-at-nebraska-fall-practice/" target="_blank">watching</a> at Nebraska fall practice</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Predicting <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/predicting-nebraskas-2017-season-update-huskers-2018-recruiting-class" target="_blank">Nebraska's</a> season record, an update on Huskers’ recruiting class, and more</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Husker camp's <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Husker-camps-closing-week-Whats-known-Whats-to-be-learned-106110730" target="_blank">closing week</a>: What's known? What's to be learned?</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Nebraska 4-star WR commit Joshua Moore will also run <a href="https://www.landof10.com/nebraska/joshua-moore-nebraska-recruiting" target="_blank">track</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Speedy junior Mikale Wilbon having ‘very <a href="http://www.omaha.com/huskers/football/speedy-junior-mikale-wilbon-having-very-good-camp-in-four/article_af1a93c0-b781-5ac9-849f-aa6b7c4b89c3.html" target="_blank">good camp</a> in four-way battle for Husker running back job</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Big Ten Preview: 20 <a href="http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/248358306/big-ten-2017-college-football-preview-picks" target="_blank">things</a> To Know</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Finally healthy, Knevel aiming to make most of <a href="https://nebraska.rivals.com/news/finally-healthy-knevel-aiming-to-make-most-of-final-season" target="_blank">final season</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Article/Nebraska-wide-receiver-Jordan-Westerkamp-was-waived-by-the-Miami-106157482" target="_blank">Westerkamp</a> looking for new home<b><font>:</font></b></span> Former Husker Jordan Westerkamp is back on the free agent market.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">See what BTN analysts thought of Nebraska's <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/ContentGallery/The-Big-Ten-Network-came-to-Nebraska-on-Tuesday-for-Husker-pract-106156942/" target="_blank">practice</a> in Lincoln on Tuesday</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">5 Star WR Jalen Hall says visiting NU is a priority, click <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jalen-Hall-76820" target="_blank">here</a> to watch his video.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Quick Hits: News and <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Quick-Hits-News-and-Notes-from-Tuesdays-practice-106166521" target="_blank">notes</a> from Tuesday's practice</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Huskers Picked <a href="http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&amp;ATCLID=211661209" target="_blank">Second</a> in Big Ten Preseason Poll</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Stille receives praise from Diaco, Barry's role with the defense, <a href="http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/life-in-the-red/rapid-reaction-stille-receives-praise-from-diaco-barry-s-role/article_106bed78-81db-11e7-bc58-eb9c66b9d173.html?utm_content=buffer784dd&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook.com&amp;utm_campaign=LEEDCC" target="_blank">tough Riley</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Young talent from Florida <a href="http://nebraska.247sports.com/Bolt/Young-talent-from-Florida-hard-to-miss-on-this-Husker-roster-106168972" target="_blank">hard to miss</a> on this Husker roster</span></p>
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<p></p> Diaco 101 - Previewing the Huskers new defensive looktag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-14:1010322:Topic:1640962017-08-14T19:43:41.958ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
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<p><span class="mvp-feat-caption">John Peterson/Icon Sportswire</span></p>
<p><em>(Josh Stevenson and John Swedlund both contributed to this report)</em></p>
<p><span>Continuing a head coaching career that spans different decades, systems and personnel, third-year Nebraska football head coach Mike Riley has turned away from the 4-3 scheme that Husker fans know so well and brought in Bob Diaco to implement a new 3-4…</span></p>
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<p><span class="mvp-feat-caption">John Peterson/Icon Sportswire</span></p>
<p><em>(Josh Stevenson and John Swedlund both contributed to this report)</em></p>
<p><span>Continuing a head coaching career that spans different decades, systems and personnel, third-year Nebraska football head coach Mike Riley has turned away from the 4-3 scheme that Husker fans know so well and brought in Bob Diaco to implement a new 3-4 defense.</span></p>
<p><span>As a kid, Riley grew up playing in the 3-4 and then recognized its potential later on as he used it in the CFL and won the league’s prized Grey Cup twice. With his experience, Riley clearly understands the power and versatility of this defense and what it can bring to a football team.</span></p>
<p><span>Riley spoke about the transition before Nebraska kicked off spring ball earlier this year. He knows that the 3-4 isn’t a band-aid that will magically turn the Blackshirts into a powerhouse unit but rather something that he believes will help the team improve and turn around its defensive culture.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span>“When you change defense, I didn’t do that to start over in development. It’s going to take some extra work. There is a transition in learning. But we’re doing this for the picture to be better in 2017.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>The 3-4 offers distinct advantages in being able to throw different concepts at opposing offenses without giving away what’s coming prior to the snap. Notably, the 3-4 look allows a defense to mask its concepts compared to other schemes by showing nearly the same front on every single play. Diaco discussed this during implementation in April.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span>“One of the beauties of the way we do our business is the offensive players have to make a post-snap decision where the fourth, fifth and/or sixth pass rusher might come from.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Suffice to say that while the 3-4 defense will be new to many fans, it is something the coaching staff is extremely comfortable with and checks all the boxes for building a successful scheme for the Blackshirts.</span><span><br/></span></p>
<h1>Position Overviews</h1>
<h2><span><b>Secondary</b></span></h2>
<p><b>Strong Safety (SS)</b><span> –</span> <span>tends to be the more versatile of the two safety positions and is counted on to lay a big hit on a receiver crossing the middle, providing quality support against the run and maintaining zone coverage when defending the pass. The ideal strong safety build is someone who is fast, a hard hitter and physically could be considered undersized linebacker.</span></p>
<p><span>The strong safety position also appears to be in good hands with returning starter Aaron Williams leading the pack. In a breakout sophomore season, Williams was responsible for three interceptions and six tackles for loss setting him up to be a critical piece in the secondary this fall. Should Williams build upon his sophomore campaign, the Husker secondary would be poised to take another step forward in 2017.</span></p>
<p><span>The late Bob Elliott had plenty of praise for him following a practice this past spring.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span>“Aaron Williams is as smart a player as I’ve ever been around. He’s grasping things that I never dreamed that a safety could grasp this quickly.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Strong Safety</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Jr. Aaron Williams </span><span> </span></li>
<li><span>Jr. Antonio Reed</span></li>
<li><span>RS Fr. Tony Butler</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="embed-youtube"><iframe width="1000" height="593" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ey2NwngF6dQ?version=3&amp;rel=1&amp;fs=1&amp;autohide=2&amp;showsearch=0&amp;showinfo=1&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;wmode=opaque" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
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<p><b>Free Safety (FS)</b><span> – lines up further from the line of scrimmage on the short side of the field and typically lends themselves to helping to provide coverage against wide receivers. They’re also notable ballhawks and adept at reading the quarterback to anticipate a pass.</span></p>
<p><span>From a coverage standpoint, they’re primarily responsible for covering the deep half of the field and are the last line of defense. This is why you saw a player coming from out of frame to step in front of a wide receiver and knock away or intercept the ball many times last season. </span></p>
<p><span>After a strong spring from senior Josh Kalu, the starting job appears is to be his to lose at this point. Recognized this spring by Elliott, he has progressed quickly at his new position leading Diaco to heap high praise and raise expectations to match.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span>“He would be a very, very good corner, maybe even a great corner, but in my mind there’s no doubt: He is and/or will be one of the best safeties in the country, if not the very best safety in the country.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Free Safety</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sr. Joshua Kalu</span></li>
<li><span>Sr. Kieron Williams</span></li>
</ul>
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<h2><span><strong>Cornerbacks</strong></span></h2>
<p><span>In Diaco’s revamped 3-4, the Huskers will rely on two different cornerback positions that fit slightly different skill sets: </span><b>boundary</b><span> and </span><b>field</b><span> cornerbacks.</span></p>
<p><b>Field Cornerback – </b><span>has more space to run in due to defending the wide side of the field and as such tends to be stronger in his coverage skills. As the field corner typically lines up in front of the strong safety — who will more frequently support against the run — they see more one-on-one matchups as they have less help over the top when the strong safety plays shallower or blitzes.</span></p>
<p><span>With the summer injury to senior Chris Jones, Lamar Jackson looks to be the Huskers No. 1 field corner through the first week of fall camp after gaining valuable experience and playing time last season as a true freshman.</span></p>
<p><b>Field Cornerback</b></p>
<ul>
<li>So. Lamar Jackson</li>
<li>So. Eric Lee/RS Fr DiCaprio Bootle</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Boundary Cornerback</b><span> – is also well versed in coverage as the free safety on his side of the ball is responsible for playing the back half of the field and will not always be there to lend a hand. .</span></p>
<p><span>Playing on the short side of the field, the boundary cornerback tends to be a bigger, physical corner as both running and passing plays will frequently come to their side of the field leading inevitably to more contact. They need to have the ability to cover as well as shed blocks and make tackles.</span></p>
<p><span>Nebraska is testing young scholarship cornerbacks Eric Lee and DiCaprio Bootle at the boundary position this fall. While the position is up for grabs, we’ve seen good things from Lee during the first week of camp indicating a possible inside track. That said, don’t count out either Bootle or walk-on Jeremiah Stovall as both players have made big plays during camp ensuring picking a starter will be a very difficult decision for the coaches.</span></p>
<p><b>Boundary Cornerback</b></p>
<ul>
<li>So. Eric Lee</li>
<li>RS Fr. DiCaprio Bootle or Soph Jeremiah Stovall</li>
</ul>
<h2><span><b>Linebackers</b></span></h2>
<p><span>The linebacking corps is where the most visible changes in terms of player names and positions will occur. There’s already been a lot of position shuffling through the summer and into the first week of fall camp as coaches figure out where each player has the best opportunity to excel. Fans should expect the musical chairs to continue as the staff figures out what combinations of players work best.</span></p>
<p><span>Taking a cue from the cornerback positions, there are four linebacker positions fans will see in Diaco’s base defense: boundary outside linebacker (CAT), weakside inside linebacker (WILL), strongside inside linebacker (MIKE) and field-side outside linebacker (DOG).</span></p>
<p><b>MIKE</b> <b>linebacker –</b><span> lines up on the strong side of the field and has an important, almost thankless role to play on defense. They’re responsible for plugging holes, taking on blockers and blitzing the line of scrimmage.</span></p>
<p><span>The MIKE position can feature multiple players throughout a game as the down and distance will dictate what assignments they take on. In obvious passing down situations, you may replace someone built for taking on blocks with someone else who has a higher level of blitzing skills or a greater coverage skill set.</span></p>
<p><span>Reports from fall camp indicate that Chris Weber leads the competition at MIKE. Heralded true freshman Avery Roberts seems to have picked up where he left off this past spring and will certainly push the former walk-on throughout the fall.</span></p>
<p><span>Riley had the following to say in reference to Weber at the MIKE spot: “He’s a really good fit into what we’re doing now. He’s physically a good fit, mentally a good fit. In making a tough transition, we’ll need smart guys like Chris to be in there kind of leading the way.”</span></p>
<p><b>MIKE Inside Linebacker</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sr. Chris Weber</span></li>
<li><span>Fr. Avery Roberts</span></li>
<li><span>RS Fr. Collin Miller</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>WILL</b> <b>linebacker </b><span>– reaps the benefits of all the dirty work that the MIKE will embrace. Traditionally, they are someone who is smart and can quickly diagnose the best action to take on a play. While the WILL won’t go untouched, they are adept at shedding blocks and crashing down into a ball carrier from multiple angles.</span></p>
<p><span>Counted on to contribute immediately as a true freshman, junior Dedrick Young enters his third year in the Husker defense after setting records for tackles as a true freshman. His game experience and ability has positioned himself to be the starter this fall. However, sophomore Mohamed Barry looks to grow from a reserve role in 2016 and has reshaped his body to compete with Young for the starting spot.</span></p>
<p><b>WILL Inside Linebackers</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Jr. Dedrick Young</li>
<li>So. Mohamed Barry</li>
<li>So. Tyrin Ferguson</li>
</ul>
<p><b>DOG linebacker</b> <b>(field linebacker) –</b><span> is normally the stronger and most athletic outside linebacker as they will routinely be facing off with tight end looking to move them out of the way against the run. While strength is important, athleticism is equally as important as the DOG needs to be able to provide valuable pass coverage when working against the pass.</span></p>
<p><span>Expect to see senior Marcus Newby starting at DOG but battling Luke Gifford for the role during at least the early stages of camp. Newby has shown flashes of talent throughout his career registering playing time in every season since he’s been on campus. He has the proven ability to both drop into coverage and rush the passer.<br/></span><br/><b>DOG Linebacker</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sr. Marcus Newby</span></li>
<li><span>Jr. Luke Gifford</span><span> -OR- </span><span>RS Fr. Quayshon Alexander</span></li>
</ul>
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<p><b>CAT linebacker (boundary linebacker) –</b><span> is opposite of the DOG and plays a multitude of roles. He specializes more in rushing the passer as he is less likely to see a tight end blocking their path to the quarterback. Similar to other positions, if no one player separates themselves from the pack, you will likely see an “every down” CAT linebacker along with specialized packages featuring the best pass rusher/run defender based on down and distance factors.</span></p>
<p><span>CAT</span> <span>may be one of the foggiest positions on the depth chart right now. Previously a defensive end in the Huskers’ 4-3 defense, sophomore Alex Davis has packed on 30 pounds of muscle and worked primarily in pass rush situations. After the first week of fall camp, he appears to be shoulder-to-shoulder with junior Sedrick King as both have received nods of approval from the staff.</span></p>
<p><span>An interesting name in the mix is true freshman Guy Thomas. While inexperienced, Thomas reported in exceptional shape this summer and is a very talented pass rusher. Linebackers coach Trent Bray was excited to toss Thomas to the wolves and see what he could do during camp thanks to the recruit’s preparation. If there isn’t much room separating players on the position’s depth chart, Thomas could be in line to play immediately.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span>“We’re giving him reps and force-feeding him the stuff and seeing how he can adapt to it, what he can do for us, if he can help us this year,” Bray had to say of Thomas following Nebraska’s second practice of fall camp. “He’s around 230 right now, so he’s physically capable of doing a lot of the jobs we’d ask.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>CAT (boundary) linebacker</b></p>
<ul>
<li>So. Alex Davis</li>
<li>Jr. Sedrick King</li>
<li>RS Fr. Pernell Jefferson -OR- Fr. Guy Thomas</li>
</ul>
<h2><span><b>Defensive Line</b></span></h2>
<p><span>With all the talk of cats, dogs, boundary and fields, the defensive line positions features minimal changes in vocabulary. The notable change is the elimination of the defensive tackle position and its replacement, the nose tackle.</span></p>
<p><b>Nose Tackle</b><span> – is a large, two gap-clogging war daddy who will see few one-on-one matchups compared to a defensive tackle. While defensive tackles work in tandem to control the interior of the offense, the nose tackle is responsible for eating up two interior lineman on every down. In obvious passing down, this can free up a linebacker to drop into coverage or allow the defense to bring multiple blitzers improving the odds of success.</span></p>
<p><span>As of this writing, Mick Stoltenberg appears to command the starting role with Peyton Newell backing him up. Not a position to be unaffected by the 3-4 change, Khalil Davis has moved from defensive tackle over to defensive end but could provide valuable snaps if needed.</span></p>
<p><b>Nose Tackle (NT)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Jr. Mick Stoltenberg</li>
<li>Jr Peyton Newell</li>
<li>Fr. Damion Daniels</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Defensive End –</b><span> will generally feature larger players than Husker fans are used to. They are much more responsible for setting an edge and will feature larger and longer linemen who have the ability to occupy a lot of space. These players will push the gaps between the guards and tackles creating more matchups for the linebackers to use their quickness to beat an opposing tackle or dart through an interior hole to disrupt a play.</span></p>
<p><span>There are several different techniques and concepts the defensive ends can play, however, without going into great detail the simplest explanation is that their stunts and moves will work in tandem with the linebackers behind them. You should expect to see a lot of situational substitution at the position this season similar to what Alabama does with their linemen during obvious down and distance situations.</span></p>
<p><span>Through one week of fall practice, it appears Freedom Akinmoladun and Carlos Davis will start at the defensive end spots but both Khalil Davis and Daishon Neal have shown flashes this fall likely earning them playing time depending on game situations. No lack of talent or depth along the defensive line. What a good problem to have.</span></p>
<p><b>Defensive Ends</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Jr. Freedom Akinmoladun &amp; Soph. Carlos Davis</li>
<li>Soph. Khalil Davis &amp; Daishon Neal</li>
<li>RS Fr. Ben Stille and Fr. Deontre Thomas</li>
</ul>
<p><span>Nebraska football fans have a lot to digest until the season kicks off on September 2 and the expectations for Diaco’s defense have already begun falling into place. There’s no grace period for Riley’s newest coordinator to implement his new scheme.</span></p>
<p><span>For the first time in years, the Huskers feature an offense that should be able to move the ball efficiently and effectively. To reach the next level of competition, they will need an assist from the new defense to help them pull away from opposing teams through one of the most difficult schedules in the entire Big Ten.</span></p>
<p><span>A week one tuneup against Arkansas State is the first and only test the staff will be allowed before facing off against a revamped Oregon Ducks squad that will be a firm measuring stick. Both the Big Red and its fans had better be ready to be tested early and often this fall.<br/></span><br/><b><i>The subject of the 3-4 is long and quite in-depth. If you crave more information on the 3-4 and Bob Diaco’s history with it, check out some of these great reads we used as a reference:</i></b></p>
<p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2007958-nfl-101-the-basics-of-the-3-4-defensive-front">NFL 101: The Basics of the 3-4 Defense</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/5/6/1460598/examining-lb-job-responsibilities">Examining LB Job responsibilities in the 3-4</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nhregister.com/uconn/article/UConn-coach-Bob-Diaco-sticks-with-bend-don-t-11349995.php">UConn coach Bob Diaco sticks with bend, don’t break philosophy on defense</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/2012/8/25/3267286/bob-diacos-3-4-no-crease-defense">Bob Diaco’s 3-4 “No Crease” Defense</a></p> Former Blackshirt Ralph Brown enthused about Huskers’ 3-4 transitiontag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-14:1010322:Topic:1640912017-08-14T19:39:42.755ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<div class="left relative" id="mvp-article-head"><h3 class="mvp-post-cat left"><a class="mvp-post-cat-link" href="https://www.huskerhype.com/index.php/category/football/"><span class="mvp-post-cat left">FOOTBALL</span></a></h3>
<h1 class="mvp-post-title left entry-title">Former Blackshirt Ralph Brown enthused about Huskers’ 3-4 transition…</h1>
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<div id="mvp-article-head" class="left relative"><h3 class="mvp-post-cat left"><a class="mvp-post-cat-link" href="https://www.huskerhype.com/index.php/category/football/"><span class="mvp-post-cat left">FOOTBALL</span></a></h3>
<h1 class="mvp-post-title left entry-title">Former Blackshirt Ralph Brown enthused about Huskers’ 3-4 transition</h1>
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<li class="mvp-author-info-thumb"><img alt="" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/005c04b4c3cd8818a5a42f884efe81e6?s=46&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g" class="avatar avatar-46 photo grav-hashed grav-hijack" height="46" width="46" id="grav-005c04b4c3cd8818a5a42f884efe81e6-0"/></li>
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<span class="author-name vcard fn author"><a href="https://www.huskerhype.com/index.php/author/bcav/" title="Posts by Brandon Cavanaugh" rel="author">Brandon Cavanaugh</a></span></li>
<li class="mvp-author-info-date"><span class="mvp-post-date updated">August 14, 2017</span></li>
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<p>As a two-time first team All-Big 12 Selection and 1999 consensus All-American, Ralph Brown is very familiar with what Nebraska’s defense is currently going through. At one point during his 10-year NFL career, he had to adjust to the 3-4 defense after living comfortably in the 4-3 during his time at Nebraska along with the first half of his professional days with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.</p>
<p>Once Brown signed on with the Cleveland Browns in 2006 and the Arizona Cardinals from 2007-2009, he found himself in a 3-4 scheme where things didn’t change much for him in terms of coverages, but he had a great time being part of a scheme that got into the opposing offense’s head so often. “You can disguise a little bit better. You can mess with your front in terms of movement, people standing up, putting their hands in the dirt to come off the edge and different things of that nature,” he said.</p>
<p>Brown went on to say he enjoyed the 3-4 more than the scheme he played in during his college days and the front half of his NFL career. Not to say that he didn’t have fun doing his thing with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. As he pointed out, even with four defensive linemen in the game, athletes will be athletes and can always be disruptive such as Brian Urlacher and the Bears under Lovie Smith.</p>
<p>He repeatedly emphasized that like in any defense, the linemen’s production in the 3-4 is key. “If your three guys in the middle can hold it down, they don’t have to be tremendously disruptive, they just have to do their job.”</p>
<p>If that happens, Brown says, the linebackers can scramble the offensive linemen’s brains by messing up their number counts. They’re aware that not only do they have to account for the large bodies directly across from them looking to plug any holes, but they have to warn where any potential danger is coming from on the back end. If that sounds difficult to accomplish, Brown assures that’s because it is.</p>
<p>“Offensive linemen don’t like to deal with athletes when it comes to blocking especially when it comes to linebackers, maybe hybrid safety-type guys that are playing at the linebacker positions. These guys are trying to pin their ears back and get to the quarterback. When you have a lot of stunts and twists with guys that are fast, it’s hard for offensive linemen to react and pick these guys up,” he said.</p>
<p>When it comes to running the scheme that Bob Diaco is bringing to Lincoln, Brown made it known that you’d better be a fan of hitting the books because of the increased number of moving parts to the defense. “There’s a lot more studying and understanding. It’s just one more linebacker and one less lineman, but it can be complicated if you don’t really put the time in and understand the complexity of what the 3-4 is designed to do.”</p>
<p>He doesn’t know if the switch will necessarily cause the Blackshirts to be an immediate force in the Big Ten, but much like any good defense, success starts up front. Brown also points to the common denominators of all elite teams when it comes to how good the defense can eventually become.</p>
<p>“Defense has to do with how good are your athletes are and how well they do their jobs, how passionate they are, how their ball pursuit is. Does everyone give 100 percent?”</p>
<p>Long story short: Big players make big plays in big games. A tale as old as time.</p>
<p>Brown thinks that one guy who may end up being an MVP in the new scheme is defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun. “With his job on that defensive line, he can make a lot of plays especially with the season he’s coming off of last year. Considering how he plays the game, all of the movement with the linebackers and things of that nature, I think he can get some sacks. I think he’ll be a good run stopper and it could be fun for him this year.”</p>
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<p>Even if Diaco doesn’t have 11 five-star recruits starting come September 2, Brown feels he can scheme around deficiencies. “We may think there are weaknesses in a certain area, but Diaco may say, ‘Hey look, I know how to cover these things up. I know how to make adjustments throughout the course of a ballgame.’”</p>
<p>Speaking of Diaco, you can count Brown as one of the faithful that can’t wait to see what Nebraska’s intense defensive coordinator immediately puts on the field.</p>
<p>“I can’t wait. I like defensive coordinators who are energetic and they can get their guys to believe in themselves and give 100 percent on every play. [Nebraska’s] missed that in past years. This is what the Huskers need. It’s great when you can have a former head coach on your staff. That’s what [Nick] Saban was doing. He was getting all of these guys who were getting fired as head coaches. There are more brains, there’s more knowledge, there’s more experience. It seems like Coach Riley is on his way making the right decisions in Lincoln right now.”</p>
<p>While the defense itself is an unknown heading into the 2017 season, Brown has a theory about how the Big Red can dictate their success.</p>
<p>“If they fly around and create turnovers, they’ll have fun. Everyone has to do their job, get to their landmarks and do their drops. When you fly around, it covers up a lot of mistakes when you don’t really know the defense as well as you think you do.” A sense of competitiveness amongst each other in terms of who’s going to get to the football first will aid the Blackshirts immensely according to Brown.</p>
<p>Like the rest of Husker Nation, he’ll be watching intently, no doubt having the occasional flashback to his days in the NFL as the Huskers look to adapt quickly. Regardless of how long that takes, Brown is content simply because of who is teaching the Blackshirts these days.</p>
<p>“I don’t know how great they’ll be this year but I know eventually because of who [Diaco] is he will make the defense great. That’s what makes me happy and what makes me feel comfortable about what’s going on in Lincoln.”</p>
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</div> New Patriots running back Rex Burkhead ready for prime timetag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-14:1010322:Topic:1640842017-08-14T17:05:29.784ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/iJeXKqwe6HkSbvT9N*5ytyU3pSTYmAF*uz5VGMhOiWhHKz0yO4Ky2-R1ci8bnfAW8dXwXeUewV4AK2O6oOd3x21PhRMOycj2/Rex.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/iJeXKqwe6HkSbvT9N*5ytyU3pSTYmAF*uz5VGMhOiWhHKz0yO4Ky2-R1ci8bnfAW8dXwXeUewV4AK2O6oOd3x21PhRMOycj2/Rex.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots placed big bets in the offseason on Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee to offset the departure of running back LeGarrette Blount and his league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns last season.</p>
<p>Burkhead, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, signed a one-year deal worth…</p>
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<p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots placed big bets in the offseason on Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee to offset the departure of running back LeGarrette Blount and his league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns last season.</p>
<p>Burkhead, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, signed a one-year deal worth upward of $3.15 million in March. Gillislee landed here a month later after the Buffalo Bills failed to match a two-year, $6.4-million offer sheet to retain the restricted free agent.</p>
<p>Both backs are entering their fifth NFL season, so they have experience as pros. The gamble is the experience is limited when it comes to usage.</p>
<p>Burkhead has 87 carries and 34 receptions in 42 career games. Gillislee checks in at 154 carries and 15 receptions in 23 games.</p>
<p>What they do have in excess is the confidence of the coaching staff in New England.</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">“They’ve had sort of backup roles, but they’ve been very productive when they’ve been on the field,” Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said on the eve of training camp. “That’s kind of the key to it; they’re guys who have shown they do have what it takes.</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">We’re going to try to give them a little more opportunity to show that and if they can then they’ll be the guy who is out there. But, like anything, they have to earn it.”</p>
<p>Burkhead appears to be on track to be the lead back in an offense overflowing with talent.</p>
<p>The 5-foot-10, 220-pound Burkhead is neither as big nor as fast as Blount, but he’s solidly built, has sufficient speed and adequate elusiveness, and is more versatile due to his ability as a blocker and a receiver.</p>
<p>Burkhead undoubtedly caught the attention of the Patriots when he established career highs with 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 carries in his first career start last season in Week 17. He’s willing and able to do whatever is asked of him.</p>
<p>“Whatever role the coaches want to put me, like I said, I feel I can do multiple things, but just going to go out there and give it my best,” Burkhead recently said. “Whatever way that is, the power run game, splitting out or whatever, I’m just going to do the best I can to help this team.”</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">Burkhead had a career-high 17 receptions in 16 games last year, matching the total number of catches Blount had in 33 games over the last three seasons with the Patriots. What makes the figure especially impressive is it came on 20 targets.</p>
<p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots placed big bets in the offseason on Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee to offset the departure of running back LeGarrette Blount and his league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns last season.</p>
<p>Burkhead, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, signed a one-year deal worth upward of $3.15 million in March. Gillislee landed here a month later after the Buffalo Bills failed to match a two-year, $6.4-million offer sheet to retain the restricted free agent.</p>
<div class="inner-sidebar"><div class="article-sidebar"><div class="article-additional-photos"><h3>Both backs are entering their fifth NFL season, so they have experience as pros. The gamble is the experience is limited when it comes to usage.</h3>
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<p>Burkhead has 87 carries and 34 receptions in 42 career games. Gillislee checks in at 154 carries and 15 receptions in 23 games.</p>
<p>What they do have in excess is the confidence of the coaching staff in New England.</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">“They’ve had sort of backup roles, but they’ve been very productive when they’ve been on the field,” Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said on the eve of training camp. “That’s kind of the key to it; they’re guys who have shown they do have what it takes.</p>
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<p>“We’re going to try to give them a little more opportunity to show that and if they can then they’ll be the guy who is out there. But, like anything, they have to earn it.”</p>
<p>Burkhead appears to be on track to be the lead back in an offense overflowing with talent.</p>
<p>The 5-foot-10, 220-pound Burkhead is neither as big nor as fast as Blount, but he’s solidly built, has sufficient speed and adequate elusiveness, and is more versatile due to his ability as a blocker and a receiver.</p>
<p>Burkhead undoubtedly caught the attention of the Patriots when he established career highs with 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 carries in his first career start last season in Week 17. He’s willing and able to do whatever is asked of him.</p>
<p>“Whatever role the coaches want to put me, like I said, I feel I can do multiple things, but just going to go out there and give it my best,” Burkhead recently said. “Whatever way that is, the power run game, splitting out or whatever, I’m just going to do the best I can to help this team.”</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">Burkhead had a career-high 17 receptions in 16 games last year, matching the total number of catches Blount had in 33 games over the last three seasons with the Patriots. What makes the figure especially impressive is it came on 20 targets.</p>
<p class="adInjection-element depth-seen">“It was something growing up … my dad was a coach, he played football, and he always preached to me that I can’t be one-dimensional and I’ve got to be able to catch the ball as well,” said Burkhead, who was born in Kentucky and raised just outside of Dallas. “It’s something I always took pride in.”</p>
<p>Burkhead, who graduated from Nebraska in three and a half years with a history degree, is continually becoming more confident in the offense.</p>
<p>Some of that is due to gaining more experience on the field with his teammates during the day and some of it is a result of the work he’s put on his own at night.</p>
<p>“It’s something as a professional you’re asked to do and me being in my fifth year that’s something that’s expected of me,” Burkhead said. “To know what I’m doing when I’m out there and make sure I’m ahead of my studies the night before or whenever, so when I get out there and step on the field I know what I’m doing.”</p>
<p>While Burkhead projects as the lead back, the Pats are expected to distribute the rushing workload more than last season when Blount finished second in the league with 299 carries.</p>
<p>Gillislee established across-the-board career highs with 101 carries, 577 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He’s going to get his share of carries, especially in goal-line and short-yardage situations.</p>
<p>James White earned an opportunity to get more carries after his rushing heroics – six carries, 29 yards and two TDs along with a conversion – in Super Bowl LI. And Dion Lewis, with a career average of 4.6 yards a rush, should also be in the mix as he’s fully recovered from a torn ACL 21 months ago.</p>
<p>And, Burkhead noted, each of the backs can do more than run the ball.</p>
<p>“It’s just a bunch of versatile guys, guys that can run inside, catch the ball out of the backfield, catch the ball split out,” he said. “All the backs bring something to the table and are able to do multiple things. I mean, you have to be able to in this offense.”</p>
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<p><span class="by">By</span> RICH GARVEN<span class="sourceline">(Worcester) Telegram &amp; Gazette</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pressherald.com/2017/08/07/burkhead-ready-for-prime-time-with-patriots/" target="_blank">New Patriots running back Rex Burkhead ready for prime time</a></p>
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<p></p> August 14th: Huskers practice critical situation in Saturday’s scrimmage: What were the biggest takeaways?tag:www.huskerspot.com,2017-08-14:1010322:Topic:1640822017-08-14T16:19:45.410ZGranthttp://www.huskerspot.com/profile/Grant
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/D1HbqCRhcs4yBjiW7Sp*1pv6Knm5GjKZBNPnUwd2D4idXJ-3QgJMbFbX9L4SdFNIdpk89WTnDBHhnni6EbggnSPtEcuUFA1Q/StevenSipple.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/D1HbqCRhcs4yBjiW7Sp*1pv6Knm5GjKZBNPnUwd2D4idXJ-3QgJMbFbX9L4SdFNIdpk89WTnDBHhnni6EbggnSPtEcuUFA1Q/StevenSipple.jpg" width="241"></img></a></p>
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<p>-Mike Riley spoke after the scrimmage and said he was pleased with the offense and that the O-line took a step forward…a pleasant thing to hear for those concerned about that unit</p>
<p>-Riley also said he’s happy with tight ends, and other guys playing with confidence:…</p>
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<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/D1HbqCRhcs4yBjiW7Sp*1pv6Knm5GjKZBNPnUwd2D4idXJ-3QgJMbFbX9L4SdFNIdpk89WTnDBHhnni6EbggnSPtEcuUFA1Q/StevenSipple.jpg" target="_self"><img width="241" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/D1HbqCRhcs4yBjiW7Sp*1pv6Knm5GjKZBNPnUwd2D4idXJ-3QgJMbFbX9L4SdFNIdpk89WTnDBHhnni6EbggnSPtEcuUFA1Q/StevenSipple.jpg"/></a></p>
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<p>-Mike Riley spoke after the scrimmage and said he was pleased with the offense and that the O-line took a step forward…a pleasant thing to hear for those concerned about that unit</p>
<p>-Riley also said he’s happy with tight ends, and other guys playing with confidence:</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.theticketfm.com/early-break/august-14th-huskers-practice-critical-situation-in-saturdays-scrimmage-what-were-the-biggest-takeaways/" target="_blank">The Ticket With Steve Sipple</a></p>